Velise Apostolic Orthodox church

The Velise church was built according to the plans of Ervin Berhard. Stonecutters were brought in from the Lake Peipus area. The richness of decoration which is characteristic of the Russian art of construction was toned down to fit in with the Estonian culture through the skilled use of colour contrast between bricks and fieldstones.
Did you know…? *The Velise congregation was the first to be founded during the period of active Russification in what is now Rapla County *15,000 roubles was allocated from the budget of the Russian empire for the construction of the church *In 1889 the church was consecrated in honour of John the Baptist *The church sometimes hosts concerts *The ‘swing island’ behind the church is an ideal place to picnic and relax